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History:
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Arthur Bateman entered Dublin University, as a medical student, in 1909. The XIs in those pre-war years were strong in batting, and he did not find a regular place until 1913. Then, a free scoring , middle order batsman, who lost nothing in comparison with established players such as HM Read , Dickie Lloyd, and the Australian Pat Quinlan, he quickly made up for lost time. Though he did not score a century for the University, his consistency earned him two Irish caps against Scotland in the last two matches before the War.
At Raeburn Place in the Scottish capital, batting at 5, he hit 36 and 52, as Ireland, possibly batting on too long, just failed to bowl their hosts out. A year later, at Leinster CC's Rathmines ground, he made 34 and 27, the latter in a 91 run sixth wicket stand with JA Donnelly, which just fell short of winning the match, Ireland going down by 11 runs.
Having been awarded his MB in 1914, Bateman was commisioned as Lieutenant in the RAMC in August. He was promoted Captain in 1915 and, attached to the 7th Cameron Highlanders, went to France. On 26 September 1917 the London Gazette reported his Military Cross, but on 28 March, the following year, he was posted missing. He was one of four members of the University XI of 1913 to be killed in action. A further two were decorated. He had been a key member of the XV at University, and his parents chose to commemorate him by the presentation of the Bateman Cup. This was competed for annually at Lansdowne Road as the Rugby season neared its end. The winners of the four Senior Cups in each of the provinces played semi-finals and a final. This trophy was not continued after the Second World War.
Edward Liddle, April 2007
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